According to American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Thought is the blossom; language the bud; and action the fruit behind it.” Without language in all of its forms—oral, written, visual, and symbolic—there would be no way to translate thoughts into political action or personal expression. In many branches of American Studies, language itself has become a form of art—the vehicle through which those in the mainstream and in the margins have communicated their histories, cultures and visions of the future. Socially-constructed and thus almost always political in nature, language not only allows individuals to develop an understanding of their environment(s), but also permits them to engage in the shaping of their own landscapes.

Language is thus intrinsic to the expression of culture. Not only does it convey values, beliefs and customs, but it also has an important social function in that it fosters sentiments of collective identity and solidarity. It is the means through which culture and its traditions are preserved and transferred from generation to generation. Consequently, as languages disappear, cultures, and their numerous layers of representation, also wither away and die, for gone are the mechanisms that translate thought into experience. Conversely, language also has the power to produce and unite, serving as the currency for cross-cultural exchange, the adaptation of new rites and rituals, and the transformation of individuals into global citizens.

The American Studies Association of Turkey invites proposals that consider the art of language as a cultural expression, broadly conceived. We particularly encourage abstracts which incorporate transdisciplinary explorations of the subject, and welcome submissions from any branch of American Studies. Possible themes include, but are not limited to:

The time allowance for all presentations is 20 minutes. An additional 10 minutes will be provided for discussion.

Proposals for papers, panels, performances, exhibits, and other modes of creative expression should be sent to Tanfer Emin Tunc (asat2007@gmail.com) and should consist of a 250–300 word abstract in English, as well as a 1–2 paragraph biographical description for each participant.

• Deadline for submission of proposals: June 30, 2010
• Notification for acceptance of proposals: August 1, 2010

More information will be posted on our website as it becomes available: http://simplifyurl.com/4b0

In Cooperation with the Embassy of the United States and the City of Alanya

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